Athens, like any metropolis, has its drawbacks: it can be noisy, stuffy and crowded. But not every metropolis can boast of proximity to the beaches. Just half an hour from the capital of Greece are the beaches of the famous Athenian Riviera, stretching from the suburbs to Cape Sounion. There is one caveat - getting to these beautiful places can be inconvenient by public transport. We recommend renting a car in Athens and visiting all the beaches to choose the best one for you. Book a car not only at the best price, but also after reading honest reviews from tenants.
Schinias
45 minutes from the center of Athens is one of the most beautiful and organized beaches in the area - Schinias. Long coastline, lush pine forest, clean sand, transparent sea - it has become the epitome of a resort idyll. Schinias is spacious: even in the height of summer, there is enough space on the beach for all vacationers, although it can be crowded here on weekends. Many people come to windsurf. By the way, there is a large water sports center on Schinias. There are taverns on the coast, and a hiking trail is laid nearby for lovers of beautiful views and walks.
Varkiza
27 km separate Athens from the most popular Varkiza beach. This is a full-fledged resort with a developed infrastructure: there are playgrounds for sports games, taverns, hotels, playgrounds. The coast of Varkiza is amazingly picturesque, the sea here is transparent and clean. But people come here not only for a beach holiday. Varkiza is famous for its opportunities for windsurfing and water skiing - equipment can be bought or rented. Party lovers will not be disappointed: European DJs and famous Greek musicians perform on the coast in summer.
Vouliagmeni
In the vicinity of Athens, just 23 km from the Greek capital, there is one of the most famous resort areas of the Riviera - Vouliagmeni. Here you will find the best restaurants and hotels of Attica, entertainment centers and natural beauty. The main wealth of Vouliagmeni is its beaches. By the way, many of them are paid: having paid once, you can use the sun loungers all day. But there are also free sites - less crowded and with minimal infrastructure. In Vouliagmeni it is worth relaxing on the beaches:
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Asteras is the best service for lovers of comfort here. The beach is famous for its parties and has earned the Blue Flag;
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Limanaki is the common name for several small beaches. These are complete opposites of Asteras: Limanaki is more to the liking of families, lovers of camping and a relaxed atmosphere;
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Akti Vouliagmenis is a lively beach with dozens of bars, souvenir shops and showers.
Please note: in the Vouliagmeni area there is a lake of the same name with thermal springs, the water of which is considered healing.
Glyfada
Elegant Glyfada is the main holiday destination for the Athenians, who appreciate this resort suburb for its sophisticated atmosphere. It is here that famous Greeks prefer to buy real estate since ancient times. And such love for Glyfada is easy to explain: its coast regularly receives the Blue Flag for impeccable cleanliness. The best in Glyfada are the beaches of Asteras with entertainment for children and adults and the noisy Balux for party lovers. Glyfada also has free beaches for those who do not care about extra infrastructure.
Legrena
If you want to relax on a lesser known beach, you should give preference to Legrain. It is located 64 km from Athens, near Cape Sounion. Legrena stretches for several kilometers and is protected from strong waves. The beach is divided into many coves covered with pebbles and sand. Legrena is suitable for diving: the sea here is rich in underwater inhabitants, and nearby there are interesting caves to explore. The infrastructure on the beach is poorly developed: in the vicinity there are only a few apartments for rent and a couple of taverns for those who want to try fresh seafood. But after a rest, you can drive to the Temple of Poseidon on Sunion in a matter of minutes and watch the sunset.
In this region, there are a lot of offers of comfortable accommodation for your vacation. On the Aktis.Villas website you can find options for every taste, from cozy small cottages to luxury villas with a private pool and sea views.
